1. The Washington Aqueduct was completed on August 5, 1864. This feat of engineering supplied clean drinking water to the District of Columbia from the Potomac River and remains in use today.

2. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by the District of Columbia on August 5, 1920. This granted women the right to vote nationwide after years of advocacy and activism.

3. On August 5, 1966, Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law created a mechanism for citizens to request and receive government documents and information.

4. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History opened on August 5, 1964. This popular museum explores American history and culture through exhibits and artifacts.

5. August 5, 1981, marked the beginning of the historic air traffic controllers' strike. Over 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees walked off the job, leading to massive flight cancellations and disruptions across the country. The strike was eventually broken by then-President Ronald Reagan.